CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Junior quarterback Victor Anderson (East St. Louis, Ill./Mesa CC) has been named Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week following his performance in the season opener at Cincinnati on Thursday night. It was his debut for the Redhawks after transferring from Mesa Community College in Mesa, Ariz., where he played the last two seasons.

Anderson rushed for a game-high 118 yards on 13 carries, good for an average of 9.1 yards per run. He also went 8-16 passing with 58 yards through the air. In the second quarter, he broke loose down the home sideline for a game-best 36-yard run down to the Cincinnati 1-yard line that set up a 25-yard field goal by Doug Spada (Shelby, N.C./Fork Union Military Academy).

Last season, Anderson completed 73-118 passes for 800 yards while also gaining 300 yards rushing at Mesa, where he was coached by Dan Dunn. In high school, he played quarterback at Belleville East High School in Belleville, Ill., where he was coached by Mike McGinnis.

The Redhawks return to action on Saturday night as they host Division II Southwest Baptist in the home opener at 6 p.m. from Houck Stadium. A free tailgate will be available to all fans beginning at 4 p.m. on Bellevue Street in front of the Redhawks Success Center. Additionally, all fans in attendance will receive a free magnet schedule when they enter the stadium.